New Generation

16 images Created 3 Feb 2009

Members of Vietnam's "New Generation" can be described by one word: driven. They sport the latest fashions, on motorbikes and chat on mobile phones. And, for better or worse, "MTV" now has faithful viewers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. But this "New Generation" is faced with many dilemmas along the way. How do its members balance family traditions and duties with the pursuit of their own dreams and goals?.One of the "New Generation," grew up in the 1980's when scarce food supplies were rationed. Now, foreign investment and relaxed governmental control have brought new opportunities. Hung's views are indicative of those held by many his age..On the exciting changes:.(In the 80's) people just talked about how to get enough food to eat and clothes to wear. But now people are talking about how to do business, how to build a nice house and things like that. "Nguoi Dep" (meaning "Beautiful Person") is one of Vietnam's many fashion magazines that young women study like a textbook. And rock 'n roll has staked its claim on yet another population, as young men in karaoke bars sing along with anyone from John Lennon to Puff Daddy...Young people also enjoy more free time than their parents did. Cafes aren't just a hangout; they're a way of life. .The Generation Gap.Unlike their parents who fear change, the youth demand it. They're savvy and aggressive, handing out business cards like flyers. It's a huge change from the past, when being an entrepreneur was frowned upon by the government. With 80% of the population under 40, it's clear that "change" is not a question of if, but when..Power is slowly changing hands because the generation understands things that their parents' generation didn't have the chance to.

Gyula Sopronyi CV: Since I decided to be a professional photographer, I always have been searching for human aspects behind exciting visual world. I'm interested in changes of social role of places, and people behind this process.
sopronyi@hotmail.com